Ever gone through one of those times when you feel like every step you take (figuratively speaking) is a major effort? You’ve been everyone’s best friend, confidant, advice-giver, shoulder to cry on, peacemaker, etc. and you’re tired and kind of bummed out. You’ve probably just done everything on your own and neglected God in the process.
Not good.
So you quote some favorite Scriptures like, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” and “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Good.
But then you realize that much of your talk doesn’t match your life. You live and plan like you don’t believe God even exists. You try to set your life up so everything will be fine even if God doesn’t come through.
Not good.
But true faith means holding nothing back. It means putting hope in God’s fidelity to His promises.
Good.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). Jesus did not say, “If you love me you will obey me when you feel like it.” If we love, then we obey. Period. This mater-of-fact obedience is part of what it means to live a life of faith.
Good.
If you stop pursuing Christ, you are letting your relationship deteriorate. You never grow closer to God when you just live life.
Not good.
You simply need to live out in your daily life the love and obedience that God has asked of you. The world needs Christians who don’t tolerate the complacency of their own lives.
Good.
I have some work to do . . .
Inside the Writer 